Thefts
of Catalytic Converters!
We have recently seen an increase in thefts of catalytic converters
across the Macclesfield area. Please note the following crime
prevention advice:
- Drivers should perform regular checks on their vehicles and
report anything that is suspicious, most people wouldn't notice
that their catalytic converter was missing - it's part of the
exhaust system under the car - until they realise the vehicle
is making a louder noise than usual.
- Catalytic converters can be etched with a serial number or
alternatively marked with Smartwater or a UV pen. There
should be some form of sign or sticker on the vehicle to show
that the property has been marked. If the catalytic converter
is etched this will make it more difficult for the thief to sell
the catalytic converter on and also make it easier for
the police to trace a stolen item.
- If the Catalytic converter is
bolted on, the bolts can be welded to prevent them being
undone quickly. This would not stop a determined thief but would
slow them down, and might put them off.
- It is possible to purchase
protective coverings for catalytic converters, these are
quite expensive but make it much more difficult to steal the
catalytic converter.
- Where possible vehicles should be parked in garages
or secure compounds.
- Giving some consideration to the way vehicles are
parked could help reduce the chances of theft of the catalytic
converter. Give some consideration as to whether high and low
clearance vehicles can be parked close together to make it harder
for a thief to gain access beneath and work on the catalytic
converter.
- Good quality lighting will improve natural surveillance and
deter potential thieves as they are less likely to be able to
work without being noticed.
- CCTV may also help reduce offences and
any CCTV systems should be well signed.
- Thought should be given
to perimeter security and fencing and gates should be kept
in good order to make access difficult for offenders.
Thank you,
JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371
Police non-emergency number: 101
Other Homewatch pages of current relevance: Briefs (recent
crimes in the Macclesfield Division including Bollington, Kerridge
and Pott Shrigley).
If you haven't looked at the homewatch pages before we recommend
looking at the homewatch home page.
